Amorino laid the gauntlet down to his rivals for the BMW Magic Millions 2YO Classic with a stunning win at Rosehill on Saturday.

Amorino (2c Snitzel – Steal My Love by Marauding) was involved in a speed battle in the early stages of the Summer Super Saver Ticket Hcp before sprinting clear to score by a length from Mrs Gray (Husson Lightning) and Lady Colours (Red Dazzler).

Trainer Gerald Ryan declared the youngster spot on for Queensland’s richest race after leading home a Magic Millions trifecta.  “I think he’s a very nice horse,” Ryan said of Amorino.  “He’s an athlete and doesn’t carry a lot of weight.

“I’m going to the Gold Coast probably more confident than I ever have before – even with Snitzel.”

Amorino was a $70,000 purchase from the Arrowfield Stud draft during Session 5 of the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  He is raced by Perth owner Elio Galante and is one of three winners for Steal My Love who is a half sister to G1 AJC Australian Oaks winner Danendri.

Bookmakers firmed Amorino into $4.80 for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on January 14.  He is on the third line of betting behind equal $3.80 favourites Sizzling and Driefontein.

Sizzling is also by Arrowfield sire Snitzel and he lost no admirers for the Classic with a fast finishing second in the G3 Bruce McLachlan Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.